Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse

The Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse was built in 1832 to serve as a navigational aid for mariners approaching the town's harbor.

History

• The lighthouse was constructed to replace an earlier light on the top of the 14th-century tower of St Andrews Church, which had been damaged by storms and flooding.
• The lighthouse has undergone several modifications over the years, including the addition of a new lantern room in the late 19th century.

Architecture

The Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse is a Grade-II listed building with a distinctive red and white striped facade. It stands at a height of approximately 9 meters (30 feet) above sea level, but its focal height reaches up to 110 meters (360 feet), making it an important visual landmark for ships navigating the Bristol Channel.

Light Characteristics

• A white flash every 7.5 seconds (Fl)
• A green flash every 4 seconds (F)
• A white flash every 7.5 seconds (Fl) from a different sector
• A red flash every 4 seconds (F)

The lighthouse's lights have a range of up to 12 nautical miles, making it an important aid to navigation for ships approaching the town's harbor.

Location and Accessibility

The Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse is located on St Anns Drive in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset. The lighthouse is easily accessible by car or public transportation, with several parking options available nearby.

Visitors can view the lighthouse from a distance, but access to the tower itself is limited due to safety concerns. However, the surrounding area offers stunning views of the Bristol Channel and the Somerset Levels.

Heritage Status

The Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse is a Grade-II listed building, recognizing its historical significance as an important aid to navigation for mariners approaching the town's harbor.

Notable Historical Events

• The lighthouse played an important role in the history of Burnham-on-Sea, serving as a beacon for ships navigating the Bristol Channel.
• The town was seriously affected by the Bristol Channel floods of 1607, with the present curved concrete wall being completed in 1988.